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October 2004Vol. 5, no. 10

In 2000, roughly 16% of full-time employees received relatively low earnings-less than $375 per week. Of these, 30% lived in low-income families, a proportion that has changed little over the last two decades.

While low-paid workers were, on average, no more likely to live in low-income families in 2000 than in 1980, the risk for some groups changed. Recent immigrants who were not members of a visible minority saw their rate rise from 28% to 44% to equal that of their visible-minority counterparts. In contrast, low-paid lone mothers saw their risk fall from 66% to 56%.

Low-paid workers earned less in 2000 than in 1980. Their average weekly earnings decreased by 8%, compared with a rise of 11% for all full-time employees.

Low-paid workers did not seem to experience a decline in living standards over the period. After accounting for changes in family size, their average family income grew 5%.

AuthorLucy Chung is with the Business and Labour Market Analysis Division. She can be reached at 951-1903 or perspectives@statcan.gc.ca.

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